Izanagi Clan, Mansion.
When the Akabane clan's caravan arrived at the mansion, they were greeted by a spectacular scene. A well-organized group stood before them, dressed in traditional white priestly robes. Some wore black lacquered hats, others tied cloth around their heads, while many rolled up their sleeves, revealing muscular arms, giving them a military-like appearance.
The group exuded an elegant aura, yet their disciplined formation also emitted a daunting and fierce vibe, reminiscent of warriors. In fact, this group shared similarities with the ancient warrior families of the past.
Unlike the Akabane clan, the Izanagi clan had been at the center of the country for over a thousand years, giving rise to various noble houses. Each house formed a small unit, and when they all gathered together, they constituted larger divisions, displaying a unified set of values and combat techniques. Their cooperation extended from ceremonies and rituals to battle, creating a cohesive and stable Izanagi clan.
Within this structured hierarchy, the head clan, Domon, held the highest position, followed by respected houses like Kamo, Yuge, and Weya, akin to generals leading their respective divisions, forming this grand assembly.
In the eyes of the Akabane clan, what appeared before them was the essence of the Izanagi clan, the true representation of this noble family. Simultaneously, it was the same force that had once defeated the Akabane clan, driving them away from the center of the country.
"------------"
The entire Akabane clan's caravan came to an abrupt stop, overwhelmed by the imposing aura of the Izanagi Clan. Clearly, the Izanagi Clan wanted to establish their dominance and authority over the Akabane clan.
Then, a man stepped forward as the leader.
"I am Yumiya of the Izanagi clan. Welcome to Mount Tengu," he stated in a composed manner.
Yumiya identified himself as the head of the Yuge house, one of the esteemed houses within the Izanagi Clan. As the representative of the Izanagi Clan in this location, he was responsible for welcoming the Akabane clan's arrival, though the current situation implied that not everyone in the Izanagi Clan was pleased to see them.
This put the Akabane clan on guard, feeling like they were facing a formidable enemy.
At that moment...
"Thank you for welcoming us, members of Izanagi Clan," Akabane Kuukan descended from his carriage, displaying an unwavering and assertive demeanor as he approached the forefront of the caravan to confront the entire Izanagi Clan.
"I am Akabane Kuukan, the head of the Akabane clan."
Unfazed by the Izanagi Clan's attempt to intimidate them, Kuukan welcomed the challenge with an air of nonchalance.
Observing this, Yumiya deeply glanced at Kuukan and then respectfully inclined his head slightly, showing his acknowledgement and perhaps a sign of respect for the Akabane clan's head.
"The head of the clan is already waiting inside. Please step into the main residence," said Yumiya, raising his hand, and the group of people behind him parted, opening the gates of the estate.
The members of the Akabane Clan were thus welcomed into the Izanagi Clan's stronghold. After getting off the carriage, Rozen and Akabane Raishin followed the elders and guards, entering the heart of the Izanagi Clan's territory.
Their reactions were quite different. Akabane Raishin seemed somewhat cautious, as if he had been frightened, while Rozen looked around at the Izanagi Clan members who were casting various gazes at them and thought to himself, "This marriage alliance may not be as easy to accomplish as it seemed from the beginning."
At the Izanagi Clan's main residence...
"Please come in," led by Yumiya, the Akabane clan of three entered the building and arrived at a vast and luxurious hall.
The head of the Izanagi Clan was present there, an elderly woman who appeared vigorous despite her advanced age. She exuded a terrifying aura, and her face bore a smile that seemed to see through everything, not showing provocation but rather a somewhat condescending sentiment.
She was the leader of the Izanagi Clan, the head of the main Domon family, the one in charge of the entire Izanagi Clan—Domon Kira.
Her words could influence the country's policies, and her commands could determine life and death.
And this person, at this moment, exuded a horrifying aura while sitting on the lap of a colossal creature.
The creature stood at a towering three meters in height, with a terrifying appearance featuring a blue face, sharp teeth, and an intimidating physique.
Looking at this monster, Akabane's expression slightly changed.
"Shikigami... Shuten-douji..."
That was the name that came out of his mouth.
------------[ Shikigami ].
It is a simulated life form constructed entirely of magical power, born from the [ Miasma ].
[ Miasma ] refers to Ying energy.
It is a kind of death energy that hinders the living.
[ Shikigami ] is an existence born from transforming this death energy into life.
Such as spirits, gods, and monsters, they can use worldly things as a medium to descend before them and serve them.
This is the power of [ Onmyojutsu ], a magic that can reverse "life" and "death."
Now, before everyone, is such an existence, summoned by [ Onmyojutsu ] from the miasma.
It is a great demon, a famous monster in this island country, whose power is enough to shatter boulders, and whose fangs are strong enough to bite through true steel, making it undoubtedly formidable among shikigami.
At least, Rozen determined the level of this shikigami at the first moment.
"(Upper-level familiar... perhaps even more than that...)"
This is already a monster that even top-tier Servants must take seriously.
Facing this creature, Akabane Raishin is completely stiffened, and even Akabane Kuukan's face shows a hint of seriousness, causing Raishin, with his outstanding [ Spirit Vision ], to sense the hidden activation of magical power within him.
However, Domon Kira acts as if nothing is happening, and her gaze moves from Rozen to Akabane Raishin.
"Are they your sons? The head of the Akabane Clan?"
Domon Kira's voice carries a mocking tone that stirs an unidentifiable anger.
Yet, neither Akabane Kuukan, Akabane Raishin, nor Rozen himself can muster that anger.
Because the overwhelming malevolence emanating from her is like an oncoming storm, fiercely oppressing everyone present.
Raishin finally understands.
The true display of authority is about to begin.
Indeed, the Izanagi clan doesn't seem to welcome the Akabane clan very much.
"————"
The palpable pressure permeated the air. Even faced with this formidable and authoritative old woman, who could summon legendary demons in this Far Eastern island nation, even Akabane Kuukan couldn't afford to be careless.
Akabane Kuukan placed his hand on both Rozen and Akabane Raishin, and with a gentle flow of magic, both of them suddenly felt much lighter.
Then, Akabane Kuukan spoke, "These are indeed my two sons. Today, I have brought them both with me, hoping to gain the favor of the esteemed lady."
With the pressure from Izanagi effectively dissolved, Akabane Kuukan calmly responded to her provocation.
"Hmph..."
Domon Kira let out a cold sneer and proceeded to appraise Rozen and Akabane Raishin.
First, she looked at Akabane Raishin and easily sensed that he had no trace of magic in his body, merely an ordinary young boy with no knowledge of magic. Her eyes revealed a hint of dissatisfaction and disdain, as if she couldn't be bothered with someone who hadn't even learned any magic, especially considering her status as the influential head of the prestigious Izanagi family.
Next, her gaze shifted to Rozen's body.
"Oh?"
At the next moment, Domon Kira narrowed her eyes.
Rozen immediately felt as if he were being scrutinized by an unseen force.
(So this is the power of her "Spirit Vision"?)
As this thought flashed through his mind, Rozen remained silent on the surface, calmly awaiting the scrutiny from the other party.
After a moment, the probing force disappeared.
"I see."
Domon Kira gazed at Raishin, her face showing a faintly amused expression.
"So, this is the 'Divine Child,' one of the two outstanding young prodigies of the Akabane clan. Truly worthy of the title."
Hearing this, Rozen knew that some of his secrets had been exposed.
At least, the extent of his magical power seemed to have been discerned.
"To possess such remarkable magical power at the age of ten, given time, you might surpass even me, making you a suitable match for my granddaughter."
Domon Kira unexpectedly praised him.
However, Domon Kira was unaware that if Rozen hadn't spent much time perfecting the magic circuits inside him through the practice of summoning, puppetry, and various mage skills, his magical power would be much more than just outstanding.
Nevertheless, Raishin didn't feel complacent or secretly pleased about it.
Because in the gaze of Domon Kira, along with a trace of surprise and satisfaction, there was also a very subtle... killing intent!
Rozen's heart skipped a beat.
He knew that the other party might be considering eliminating any potential threat.
After all, the Akabane clan was the archenemy of the Izanagi clan, and with the cultivation of puppetry, becoming an outstanding automaton family was an inevitable trend in the changing times. It was only natural for them to want to eliminate any potential rival before they could grow stronger.
However, this was just a fleeting thought.
Soon, Domon Kira retracted her subtle killing intent, as if feeling regretful, she said, "The 'Divine Child' of the Akabane clan seems to be an adopted son and does not possess the 'Crimson Wings Blood,' right?"
Rozen had already anticipated this.
Even if his talent was extraordinary, he was ultimately an adopted son and lacked the bloodline of the Akabane clan. For a magic family that valued lineage and bloodline inheritance, this was undoubtedly a significant drawback.
"On one hand, there's a natural-born child with the 'Crimson Wings Blood' but lacking any talent, on the other hand, there's an extraordinarily gifted adopted son without the family bloodline. I have to choose from one of them. Akabane's head, you've indeed given me quite a difficult problem."
Domon Kira shifted her posture and looked back at Rozen's father, Akabane Kuukan, with a provocative smile on her face once again.
To this, Akabane Kuukan responded with a smile and spoke in a magnanimous manner, "In this world, there is rarely anything perfect. We Akabane are just a small clan from a remote border area, unable to possess unparalleled advantages, and that's entirely normal."
Hearing this, Domon Kira sneered.
"Do you think I'm foolish?" Izanagi said displeasedly, "The 'Heaven Child' of the Akabane clan possesses both attributes - the rare talent and the 'Crimson Wings Blood.' If it's him, wouldn't it be perfect?"
Indeed, if it were Akabane Tenzen, who possessed both the 'Crimson Wings Blood' of the Akabane clan and extraordinary talent, then it would be a perfect choice.
However...
"That's not what we agreed upon, milady." Akabane Kuukan replied with a half-smile.
This made Domon Kira raise an eyebrow.
"...Fine."
Perhaps considering the matter of their agreement, Domon Kira stopped further antagonizing.
"Yumiya," Izanagi said to her subordinate at the side, "Go and bring Hinowa here."
"Yes." Yumiya immediately complied and left.
When Yumiya returned, he was accompanied by a little girl.
She was an adorable young girl, dressed in exquisite attire, with jet-black hair tied up with ribbons, giving her an Eastern charm. She appeared to be around the same age as Rozen, and her every move gave off an aura of being easily startled, like a small animal.
It seemed she already knew what was about to happen and instinctively hid behind Yumiya.
Seeing the little girl, Rozen had two thoughts.
The first one was, "So she's the legitimate granddaughter of the Izanagi clan, the princess of Izanagi?"
The second one was, "She's quite cute."
//// She's about 10 btw....just saying ಠωಠ ////
He initially thought she would be a girl constrained by strict rules, but to his surprise, she looked more like a frightened small animal hiding behind a familiar figure, which was not what Rozen had expected.
Even Akabane Raishin, seemed bewildered by the sight of the princess of the prestigious clan behaving this way.
While Rozen and Raishin observed the young girl, she was also secretly sizing them up.
Rozen exuded a lazy and childish atmosphere, making him difficult to read, while Raishin appeared somewhat fearful yet fascinated while he looked in her direction.
As she gazed at the two boys, knowing that one of them, would eventually become her future husband, Princess Hinowa of the Izanagi clan blushed and lowered her head shyly.
In this situation, Akabane Kuukan and Domon Kira took the initiative to steer the conversation and made a decision.
"Tonight, we will hold a banquet in this residence to entertain the Akabane clan who have come from afar," Domon Kira voice resounded with authority and certainty.
"At that time, we will also decide who will become the husband of future heir of the Izanagi clan."
And so, the group dispersed.
Today was bound to be a long day.